Beginner's guide to becoming a college-to-university transfer student

Considering to pursue a university degree after college is not always an easy decision. There are many factors that have to be taken into consideration such as programs, courses, tuition fees or transfer credits.

The good news is that several universities are partnering up with colleges across the Durham Region in order to build different pathway or transfer programs.

Pathway partnership

If you’re almost done or have already finished your major in college and wish to expand career options by pursuing a degree in university, I suggest you research the different pathway partnerships your college has with other universities. Most of the educational institutions list their pathway partnerships with other institutions online. It’s very common to find a complete guide with partnered universities located inside and outside Canada.

My advice to you is to double check the partnership in your current as well as in your future educational institution. Many times websites are not updated or their affiliations can change. Once you narrow down and find the potential school you would like to transfer to, assure yourself by emailing (or calling) and asking if that partnership is still ongoing.

Once you’re sure about the partnership between your college and the university you’re about to get into, find the advanced entry program that you would like to pursue that is (hopefully) related to your program in college.

For example, I graduated from a media program in college and always wished to expand my knowledge in the media industry, therefore my best bet was to bridge to the communications program at our university.

Transfer requirements

Keep in mind that continuing education is not the same as starting a major from scratch. My point here is that there are different requirements for pathway or transfer students. The first thing to consider is that your college courses and credits are the first things you need to submit in order to continue with your transfer application.

Along with the transfer credits you will be asked to complete online applications where you will be submitting transcripts, photo ID, deposits, etc. Remember to organize and gather all your documents in a timely manner so that you can submit all the requirements before the deadline.

If you don’t know how to do this and are considering a transfer to our university, don’t panic! Contact the transfer office as you move forward with your application.

Inquire and keep track

Once you have submitted all of your documents, make sure you save your copies and keep track of them. Another useful tip is to follow-up with the academic advisors at your potential university.

In our case, each faculty at our university has its own academic advisors. They are available throughout the year so it’s a good idea to contact them during the transfer process.

There you have it! Although there are more steps to follow during the transfer application process, these are the initial steps you have to go through if you’re considering continuing education at our university.

HEADS UP! You can find a lot more information regarding our college-to-university transfer program by attending the upcoming transfer information night on Wednesday, February 20, 2019, at 6 p.m. Make sure to register and go through the available bridge programs prior attending the event.

Remember, no matter which program you transfer to, make sure you do your research, plan ahead and reach out if you need help or academic advising.

A question for our current transfer students: what else should a future college-to-university student consider? Let us know in the comment section down below.

Did you know we also offer transfer options for students that have studied other universities? Learn more about all of our transfer programs in our viewbook!

Ontario Tech University is the brand name used to refer to the University of Ontario Institute of Technology.

The university is proud to acknowledge the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation which is covered under the Williams Treaties. We are situated on the Traditional Territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation which includes Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi.